Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Introduction
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a delightful dish that blends tender chicken with a rich and flavorful sauce. The zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro bring brightness to this comforting recipe. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken. First, it combines simple ingredients you might already have on hand. Second, the result is a hearty and satisfying meal that is full of flavor. Finally, it’s a versatile dish. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or even a fresh salad. Overall, it’s a fantastic recipe that will impress your family and friends without extra effort.
How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Making Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients
- 15 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Optional lime wedges for garnish
- More cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Pound the chicken breasts to make them an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for 6-7 minutes, turning once for even cooking.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add chicken broth, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Return the skillet to the heat and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds flavor to your sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil uncovered for 10-12 minutes until it reduces to about 1/2 cup.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add heavy cream and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet, turning it to coat in the sauce.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned on top and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
How to Serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
You can serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s an excellent choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
How to Store Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
If you have leftovers, store Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference. You can make it milder or spicier depending on your taste.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Serve it with various sides like quinoa or tortillas for a different experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add more flavor due to their fat content.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to preference.
- 1/3 cup heavy cream Can substitute with coconut cream.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Optional lime wedges for garnish
- More cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Pound the chicken breasts to make them an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for 6-7 minutes, turning once for even cooking.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add chicken broth, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Return the skillet to the heat and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil uncovered for 10-12 minutes until it reduces to about 1/2 cup.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add heavy cream and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet, turning it to coat in the sauce.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned on top and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
